The very heart of Riga is Town Hall Square, where all tourists flock, and the city residents themselves do not mind spending an hour or two here in their free time. After the shelling of 1941, it was completely restored and now is a wonderful place to relax.
Once, this was Riga's main market square. Gradually, it was built up with elegant examples of architecture, which were also restored to their original appearance.
From the gloomy depths of the Middle Ages, Riga Town Hall Square inherited the sinister fame of a place of brutal executions. From the brighter pages of history, it is worth mentioning that it was here more than 500 years ago that the world's first Christmas tree was set up.
In the center of Town Hall Square stands a statue of Roland. This rather famous military leader, Charlemagne's nephew, became renowned for his political tolerance and respect for the population of the lands he conquered. The monument was erected in 1897, but now the square is adorned by its copy. The original is kept in the museum collection of Saint Peter's Church.
The House of the Blackheads is also located here – a famous 17th-century structure and one of the most beautiful buildings in old Riga. The square is also home to the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia and the underground exhibition hall Art Space. And, of course, the Riga Town Hall, the third one built on this site. Its predecessors were erected in the 14th and 18th centuries, and the new town hall adorned the square in 2003.
